▼58%
$130,835
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$77k
MEDIAN
$131k
90%
$212k
The average salary for a Chief Engineer is $130,835 in 2025
Base Salary
$77k - $212k
Bonus
$2k - $35k
Profit Sharing
$1 - $16k
Total Pay
$79k - $231k
Is Average Late-Career Chief Engineer with People Management Skills Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Chief Engineers?
What Do Chief Engineers Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Chief Engineer
Medical
86%
Dental
84%
Vision
82%
None
14%
Gender Breakdown for Chief Engineers
Male
95.5%
Female
4.5%
This data is based on 44 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Chief Engineers
What is the highest pay for Chief Engineers?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Chief Engineer is $212k / year
What is the lowest pay for Chief Engineers?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Chief Engineer is $77k / year
How can Chief Engineers increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Chief Engineer is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Chief Engineer that oversees more junior Chief Engineers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.